Deaf and hard of hearing

Mobile phones can be difficult to use if you are deaf or hard of hearing, but advances in technology are making it easier for you to keep in touch. Below we have listed some standard features and accessories which may be available on handsets from BT Mobile or other suppliers.

Changeable ring tones

Select a ring tone pitch and volume that you can hear more easily

Flashing alert

When you receive a call or a text message the keypad and display lights flash

Handsfree

Using the phone handsfree (also known as loudspeaker) can be a more comfortable way of using your phone

Induction loop

A useful accessory if you have a hearing aid with an inductive "T" setting. Induction or hearing loops cut down background noise and reduce interference by enabling you to keep your mobile phone away from your hearing aid

Please Note: BT Mobile can supply induction loop sets for Nokia handsets. Call BT Mobile Customer Services on 0800 0322 111 for more information and to place an order.

Keypad

If you mainly want to use the phone for typing text messages you need to have one with a keypad that is comfortable to use

Mobile Textphone

Special software installed on your phone can enable deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired customers to make or receive telephone calls in text format. This can either be by communicating directly with other textphones or by using the RNID Typetalk service

SMS (Short message service)/ texting

Send a text message rather than speaking on the phone is a good way for deaf and hard of hearing people to keep in touch. Today you can easily send text message to and from mobiles or landline telephones

Tactile feedback

If you can't hear the keypad buttons beep, these keys let you feel them click to let you know when you've pressed them properly

Vibrating alert

Whenever you receive a call or a text message the phone attracts your attention by vibrating

Volume control

Look for mobile phones that let you easily adjust the volume control